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Dogs and horses

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It was hot today, so Ziggy, Sue (my long suffering wife) and I went to a favourite river walk for some fun this morning.

We had spent some time walking along and playing in the river, when we returned to a spot for one last session in the water. By now, there were quite a few owners and their dogs enjoying the sun and the water. As is usual for me, I waded into the river with Ziggy and threw her balls for her. The other dogs got involved in the fun and another owner waded in to take part in throwing the balls and various toys for the pooches.

So far, so good. Everyone, humans and dogs were getting along well and enjoying the water. I glanced to the opposite bank of the river and saw a horse and rider enter the water, they headed straight towards the dogs in the water, closely followed by 7 or 8 other horses and riders. Now, horses can, easily get spooked by dogs and vice versa. Therefore, I was staggered by the behaviour of these riders.

Following the lead rider, they just, simply walked through the group of excited, barking dogs, paying no attention to them, whatsoever. Fortunately, none of the horses reacted to the lively dogs, some barking around there legs. The dog owners managed to get there dogs under control.

I was dumbfounded by the ignorance, arrogance and lack of regard for anyone else displayed by these horse riders. Imagine if a horse had been spooked by a dog and thrown a rider of causing injury. Who would be held accountable? Well, of course, the horse riders would have blamed the owner of the dog. This, potentially, dangerous situation could have, easily, been avoided. The lead rider, had simply needed to call across the river, alerting the dog owners of their intentions. The dog owners would then have had time to get their dogs on leads and made way. Obviously, these riders thought this, simply, courtesy was not needed.

The point here is that all users of open spaces should pay, due attention to the safety of people and their animals. Luckily, on this occasion, nobody got hurt.

 

 

 

 

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Reward or bribery?

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Using rewards in dog training is an established and effective method for training dogs. However, if used incorrectly it can be counter-productive.

I am seeing an increasing number of videos on Facebook and Youtube showing treats being used in the wrong way by ‘dog trainers.’ These videos show the trainer, or handler, constantly feeding treats to the dog, thereby encouraging it to do what is required. This, of course, is then taken to be the standard for many owners who experience this ‘training.’ In fact, this is ‘bribing’ a dog to do what is asked of it. This ‘method’ demonstrates a, fundamental, lack of understanding of why a dog does something, from a behavioural perspective.

The point of using treats is to REWARD the dog for a job well done. This is done AFTER the dog does whatever is required. Focusing the dog with a continuous supply of treats will not result in the dog learning the new skill or behaviour. As soon as the treat is removed from the equation, most dogs will, simply, not comply. This is bribery – not recommended.

An effective method is to keep a treat out of sight, ask the dog to perform what is required – when it does so, it is immediately rewarded with the treat.  This then goes onto an intermittent reward – the dog, sometimes gets a treat, other times it gets just praise.  This is rewarding a behaviour not bribing the dog to do something.

Adopting the approach outlined above, is much more effective in helping a dog learn and retain its training.

 

 

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Temperature is rising – get those layers on!

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Temperature is rising – get those layers on!

OK then, it’s starting to get hot. Temperatures are rising – maybe as high as the +30C.

It’s time to take your, much loved, furry friend out. You always take him out in the early afternoon (by now, it’s very hot out there), don’t you?  No need to change your routine because of the weather. So, let’s get ready.

You first.  Put on a couple of heavy sweaters, gloves, woolly hat and a heavy coat. So, that’s you ready. No, sorry, forgot something – make sure you have nothing on your feet.

All righty, then. That’s you ready for the off.  What, you say this is madness?  Well, of course it is! Just as mad as taking your dog out in the sweltering heat and, maybe onto hot pavements.

Dress like I have suggested and you would collapse in a few minutes. So, why, do you think it fine to take your dog out in high temperatures.  Remember, they cannot sweat, or regulate their temperatures like us.  

Dog owners are warned, over and over again. Yet, dogs are still taken out in sweltering temperatures, left sitting in the baking sun or locked in car that is, in fact, an oven.

Our dogs, need their humans to think for them.  This means, looking out for them when temperatures are extreme.  Taking them out early in the day or later in the evening when it is cooler is caring for our dogs.  It’s very simple, however inconvenient, you must change your routine to take care of the welfare of your dog. If this means, not taking them out, then that is what you should do.

So think how you would feel wrapped up in heavy clothing in the sweltering heat – THAT is what you are doing to your dog.

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Dogs and water – don’t force the issue…

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Dogs and water – don\’t force the issue…

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For those that read my missives, you will know, I am very keen to get dogs into the water. It\’s fantastic fun for them and vital, in hot weather.

I witnessed, recently, another example of what not to do with a dog and water.

A couple and their children were playing with their youngish Labrador at one of Ziggys\’ (my pup) water holes.  Their dog had, clearly, been in the water before Ziggy and I had arrived.  What they were doing now was silly and, possibly, dangerous.

They and their dog were standing on the riverbank, above a small weir. The dog was peering into the water, where his ball was bobbing in the flow from the weir. The humans were encouraging the dog to leap into the water.  He was, obviously, frightened by this prospect – his body language was signalling his discomfort very clearly.  The humans, unperturbed, kept on shouting at the dog to jump. It, eventually, did.

They then approached Ziggy and I, who were on a small beach and playing in the water.  I heard the dogs\’ owner, saying to her dog \”what a good dog, you were frightened, weren\’t you?\”  So, she realised the dog was worried but, still made it jump into the water.

I met this group a little later on another part of the river.  The dog got into the water and played, happily, with Ziggy. I was able to strike up a gentle, general, conversation about dogs and water.  They left me, understanding, now, that getting dogs to jump into water is, potentially dangerous (who knows what is below the waterline?) and, it can frighten a dog, putting them of water, altogether.

I will make it clear, again. NEVER, force dogs into water, whether by pulling it in by the lead or, indeed, throwing them in. Gentle encouragement from a dog owner in the water themselves, is highly effective. Remember, most dogs love water; some do not. Think about what you are doing and pay attention to your dogs\’ body language. 

Getting a dog – choosing carefully

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The choice is overwhelming.  However, finding the right dog for you should not be an impulse decision. It needs, careful, thought before deciding on the pooch for you. So, why then, do so many people get this important decision wrong?

I see many people that have, simply, not thought about what a dog means, potentially, too their lives. Often, decisions are made, simply, on such ideas as ‘I’ve always wanted this breed” or “they look nice, so I had to get one”. Ridiculous approaches to such an important decision, showing little regard for the needs of the dog or the owner.

Taking on a dog is, almost, as important as deciding to have or adopt a child. So, before leaping in and, going for something that looks cute or meets any other weak criteria; stop and think.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Why are you getting a dog?
    • Companionship
    • Support
    • Protection
    • Getting out of the house and meeting people?
    • Status

The above, are just some of the many reasons why someone might want a dog.

  • Home situation
    • Size of property
    • Garden
    • Other pets
    • Family members
    • Work commitment
    • Time to commit to dog (play, walking, socialisation, etc)

As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider; the list above is, by no means, exhaustive.

Certainly, when considering the home environment, it is critical that everyone in the household are committed to sharing their home with a dog. I see too many people who have partners, for instance, that have no desire to have a dog, yet – their partners still get one. Not good for the people and, definitely, not good for the dog.

If your work keeps you away from home for long periods, meaning your dog has to be left alone for long periods or, you don’t have much time for walking and spending time with your dog; think, very carefully, before bringing a dog into your home. It is, simply, not fair on the dog.

If you want a dog to help you get out and meet people, don’t get a trophy dog such as an Akita.  People may well be put of by such a dog.  Don’t, misunderstand me, in the right home and with the right owner, Akitas’ can make great pets.  However, they need someone who knows what they are doing and, are willing to make the compromises needed for such a dog.

I could keep going, so I will stop at this point with a few, final words.

When getting a dog, think about the commitment, time, effort and involvement needed to give that dog a good, happy, social life at home and out in the world.  If you can’t commit fully to all of the needs of your canine companion – DO NOT get one – get a budgy instead.

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© The Canine Behaviourist 2020